VPC Statement on Mass Shooting in Charleston, South Carolina

For Release: Thursday, June 18, 2015

Washington, DC — On June 17, a man opened fire at a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina, killing nine people, in an incident that law enforcement are calling a hate crime. One of the victims was a state senator, the Rev. Clementa Pinckney.

“This gun massacre in a place of worship was an unspeakable act of violence that has no place in a civilized nation. As we continue to learn more details about the incident, we must also take all necessary steps to ensure it never happens again. Nationwide, unfettered access to guns gives hate-filled individuals the means to carry out mass shootings with shocking regularity. We must take action to end our nation’s gun crisis.”

The Violence Policy Center is a national educational organization working to stop gun death and injury. Follow the VPC on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

The Violence Policy Center is a national tax-exempt educational organization working for a safer America through research, investigation, analysis, and advocacy. The VPC provides information to policymakers, journalists, organizations, advocates, and the general public. Click here to learn more.